Southern Nebraska Register
Around 30 young people participated in the “2024 Amazing Race of Mercy” in Lincoln April 14.
The students were members of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lincoln, and the “Amazing Race” was a scavenger hunt organizers called a “journey of faith.”
The outing was designed to help the students, ranging in age from 13 to 17, learn about the many resources the capital city offers to help and support the needy and less fortunate. The trek up, down and around O Street in downtown Lincoln provided opportunities to expand the students’ conceptual understanding of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
The group solved riddles to proceed to several locations. Participants toured nonprofit facilities like Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, where they heard from Katie Patrick, executive director; Sebit Deng, immigration specialist; and John Soukup, development officer.
“I really admire the sincerity and thoughtfulness of this group to learn more about our community through the lens of mercy,” Patrick said. “Through that perspective, these young minds are able to see that the ‘works of mercy’ are more than just words. They are actions that provide hope to those in need.”
The students also visited CEDARS Youth Opportunity Center. They studied library resources at Bennett Martin Library, and visited the state capitol building to learn more about the Nebraska legislature in the context of social justice. The group ended the day by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at St. Mary Church downtown.
Courtesy photos
